Former Skeem Saam Star Pebetsi Matlaila Reflects on Her Struggles with Addiction and Childhood Challenges
Former Skeem Saam actress Pebetsi Matlaila, widely known for her role as Mokgadi Maputla on the popular South African soap opera, has bravely shared her experiences growing up in a household marked by addiction and abuse. In a candid interview on the *Varied Views* podcast, Matlaila revealed the profound impact her father’s struggles with alcoholism had on her childhood and her own journey with addiction.
Matlaila, who has transitioned from acting to writing and radio, spoke openly about her father’s battles with substance abuse and the challenges of growing up with a parent caught in the grip of addiction. “My father is an alcoholic and an abuser,” she stated, explaining that she faced backlash from her family the first time she spoke out about his condition. “When I told the world that my dad is an addict, people thought I was being disrespectful. I got phone calls from my aunts asking why I would say that in a public space.”
Despite the criticism, Matlaila felt compelled to share her story, hoping to shed light on the complex realities of addiction and its ripple effects on families. She expressed empathy for her father, having faced similar struggles in her own life. “I know what it’s like to be a parent and carry a lot on your shoulders, and substances are the only things that can help you escape. I’ve been where my dad is; I’ve also been an addict at some point, and I know how challenging it is,” she confessed.
Matlaila’s personal battles with addiction were intertwined with her efforts to cope with childhood trauma, abuse, and the challenges of adulthood as a single mother. Raising two children, each with a different father, she found herself grappling with the same issues that had plagued her father. It was during this difficult period that she began to understand what her father had been going through.
“When I told the world my dad is an alcoholic and an abuser, I wasn’t trying to shame him or paint him in a dark light,” she explained. Instead, Matlaila aimed to open up a dialogue about the cycle of addiction and how it affects not just the individual but their entire family.
Matlaila rose to fame playing Mokgadi Maputla on *Skeem Saam*, where she portrayed a single mother and journalist who later married Leeto Maputla, played by Eric Macheru. Her character faced numerous personal challenges, mirroring some of Matlaila’s real-life struggles. On the show, Mokgadi’s son Noah was sent to prison after high school, which eventually led to her character’s separation from Leeto and her return to her mother’s home.
After taking a break from *Skeem Saam*, Matlaila returned to radio and authored a book titled *A Decade In My Lifetime*, where she delves deeper into her life experiences, including her tumultuous relationship with her father and her own journey toward healing and self-acceptance.
By sharing her story, Matlaila hopes to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges. Her candidness highlights the importance of breaking the silence around addiction and abuse and fostering a supportive environment for those struggling to find their way out of the darkness.
